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RFID research and testing for packages of apparel, consumer goods and fresh produce in the retail distribution environment
Author(s) -
Singh S. P.,
McCartney M.,
Singh J.,
Clarke R.
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
packaging technology and science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.365
H-Index - 50
eISSN - 1099-1522
pISSN - 0894-3214
DOI - 10.1002/pts.782
Subject(s) - radio frequency identification , pallet , supply chain , standardization , clothing , business , telecommunications , visibility , fast moving consumer goods , plan (archaeology) , scale (ratio) , marketing , engineering , computer science , computer security , optics , quantum mechanics , physics , archaeology , history , operating system
Radio frequency identification (RFID) is a term used for any device that can be sensed at a distance by radio frequencies with few problems of obstruction. The origins of the term lie in the invention of tags that reflect or retransmit a radio‐frequency signal. According to a recent article by Forrester Research, the minimal ‘Slap and Ship’ approach to RFID compliance will cost an individual company between $2 million and $20 million. Because retailers like Wal‐Mart plan to share with their suppliers all the RFID‐generated data points (from when a case/pallet enters their distribution centre until it leaves their stockroom), suppliers will eventually be able to use this data as a powerful forecasting tool. RFID is an enabling technology that can potentially facilitate a real‐time, end‐to‐end supply chain visibility system. Suppliers who integrate full‐scale RFID systems will realize efficiencies in time, material movement, inventory planning, shipping and warehousing both internally and externally. This paper provides a brief overview of the RFID technology, mandates by retailers and federal agencies, advances towards global standardization and typical consumer level RFID applications, and discusses RFID initiatives taken by some of the global leaders in apparel, consumer goods and fresh produce industries. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.